What is Milled Flaxseed?

In a world of functional-food ingredients, milled flaxseed is ready for its close up.

Milled flaxseed—also known as flaxseed, flax, and ground flaxseed—has been cultivated in many parts of the world for its fiber.

Milled flaxseed is also an ingredient in Hero Bread’s Seeded Bread, Classic White Bread, and other Hero Bread baked goods.

What is Milled Flaxseed?

Milled flaxseed comes from the flax plant.

Dating back to the days of ancient Egypt, flaxseed has been used as food and medicine. In Asia, it has had a role in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.

High in fiber and lignans, milled flaxseed has emerged as a popular nutritional food. Its superpower, however, is in its high levels of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)—an omega 3 fatty acid that may be helpful for:

Heart disease
Inflammatory bowel disease
Arthritis

What Are the Benefits of Milled Flaxseed?

If you are looking for a food ingredient with therapeutic benefits that run the gamut, look no further than milled flaxseed.

Nutritionists suggest incorporating omega 3 fatty acid sources into the diet, and milled flaxseed is the best omega 3 fatty acid source for non-fish eaters
- Furthermore, flaxseeds are a rich source of lignans, a type of phytoestrogen which may protect against cancer—specifically breast and prostate, both of which are hormone-sensitive cancers
Milled flaxseed’s “Fab 4” compounds (omega-3 fatty acid; alpha linolenic acid; the lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside; and fiber) provide bioactivity of value to the health of animals and humans through their:
- Anti-inflammatory action
- Anti-oxidative capacity, and
- Lipid-modulating properties
Flaxseed has heart-protective effects, and may also help lower total blood cholesterol and LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease
Flaxseed’s high levels of lignans have been studied for their potent cancer-fighting properties
Flaxseed is commonly used to improve digestive health or relieve constipation
Flaxseed is renowned for its ability to decrease blood pressure levels

Milled vs. Whole Flaxseed

Milled flaxseed and whole flaxseed act differently during digestion.

Whole flaxseeds pass right through your system, whereas milled flaxseeds are easier for your body to digest—while absorbing much more of the nutrients.

Milled flaxseed also provides your body with the benefits of both soluble and insoluble fibers. Whole flax seeds only provide you with insoluble fiber due to the outer shell.

Because of these reasons, most nutrition experts recommend ground (milled) over whole flaxseed.

Is Milled Flaxseed in Hero Bread?

Adding milled flaxseed to your diet is easy as it comes in several types of food, including Hero Bread baked goods.

Milled flaxseed companions many other healthy ingredients in Hero Bread products, including:

Check out our recipes for inspiration on how to use Hero Bread every day.